Jehovah’s Witnesses
ue,
Since you were asking about the 144,000 number with the Jehovah Witnesses, I’d thought I would do an article on who these people are since most of us have had them knocking on our doors preaching their interpretation of the gospel.
There are serious main differences between their system of beliefs and those of true Christianity. These differences are so extreme, this group has to be considered a cult and false religion.
I will first start out by giving you some basic general facts on who they are and what they believe in, and then go ahead and highlight the main differences between their system of beliefs and those of true Christianity.
Basic Facts of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses are also known as the “Watchtower Society” or “Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.” They were officially founded back in 1884 and were initially called the “Zion’s Watchtower and Tract Society.” They did not officially adopt the name of Jehovah’s Witnesses until 1931.
They currently claim a worldwide membership of approximately 9 million people in 205 countries. Approximately 4 million of them live in the United States. They also allege they are averaging 200,000 new members each year.
They tell their flock they are the only true, sole, Christian religion on the earth today and that only their interpretation of the Bible is correct. They have their own interpretation of the Scriptures which they call the “New World Translation.” As you will see in the differences I will list below, they are really off in their interpretations.
God the Father will in no way honor or accept this false belief system as one of His own due to some key main differences between their interpretation of the Bible and what I feel are simply the basics of true Christianity. Here are some of the main differences.
Main Differences Between Jehovah’s
Witnesses and Christianity
1. The Trinity
They do not believe in the Trinity. They believe that Jesus Christ is St. Michael the archangel. They think the Holy Spirit is an “impersonal force” and not actually God and Lord Himself.
They believe that Jesus, as St. Michael the archangel, was God’s first created being. However, our Bible says that Jesus was never created, but is “co-eternal” with God the Father. In other words, Jesus has always been just as His Father has always been. Neither one of Them has ever been created. Here is the verse from our Bible that specifically proves this point:
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)
The words “I AM” are telling us that Jesus “always was” and thus was never created. This makes both He and God the Father co-eternal in the Trinity – which means that neither of Them have ever been created, but have always been in existence.
They believe that the Holy Spirit is an “active force of almighty God which moves His servants to do His will.” Our Bible specifically tells us that the Holy Spirit is God and Lord Himself and that He is referred to as “He” in the Bible – which tells us that He is a Person and not some type of “force” that God uses.
2. Jesus Christ Coming in the Flesh
They do not believe that Jesus Christ was God coming in the “flesh” to our earth to save mankind from their sins. This one right here completely disqualifies them from being a pure true branch of Christianity. Here is the verse from our Bible that completely nails them on just this one issue alone:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.” (1 John 4:1-4)
Any man, religion, or system of belief that does not preach, teach, and believe that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God who came down to our earth in the flesh to physically die on a cross for all of our sins cannot be accepted as anything that is truly coming from God the Father. End of discussion!
3. The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ
They do not believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Our Bible tells us that when they went into the tomb to see if Jesus was still there, that His entire body was no longer there.
They believe that Jesus was “annihilated” by God, not risen. They believe that after 3 days from His death, that He was resurrected as a “spirit creature” rather than being resurrected having a new “glorified spiritual body.”
In other words, they are taking out the word “body.” Our Bible tells us that when we die, we will all be given a brand new “glorified spiritual body.” Here is the verse:
“The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-50)
Put all of these key words together in the above verse, and we will all be getting new “glorified spiritual bodies” when we die and enter into heaven just as Jesus was given when He fully resurrected on the third day from His crucifixion.
4. The 144,000 Witnesses
They believe that only 144,000 people are going to make it into heaven. They actually believe that most of the 144,000 out of their group are already in heaven. The rest of the Jehovah’s Witnesses still living can only hope to inherit the earth, not actually make it into heaven, since this is only reserved for the special 144,000 chosen ones.
However, our Bible tells us in the Book of Revelation that the 144,000 people being talked about are 144,000 Jewish witnesses that God marks and seals during the 7 year Tribulation to help proclaim the Gospel during this horrific time.
The Bible says that this 144,000 are 12,000 Jews taken from each of the 12 main tribes of Israel. They are called the “firstfruits” of God, as they are the first set of Jews who get officially saved and accept Jesus Christ as their true Messiah.
These 144,000 Jewish witnesses are obviously going into heaven since they are saved, but so does everyone else who accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Here are three key Scripture verses proving that the gift of eternal salvation is for all who will accept it – not just for 144,000 special chosen ones.
“… that WHOEVER believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:15-16)
Notice the word “whoever.” This applies to all who will believe in Jesus and His sacrificial death on the cross!
“… God our Savior, who desires ALL MEN to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)
Notice God the Father is very clearly stating that He would like “all men” to accept the gift of eternal salvation through His Son Jesus, not just 144,000 specially chosen people.
For “WHOEVER calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:12)
Again, notice the word “whoever.” God is not making any exceptions either by race, color, creed, or gender. Our Bible also tells us that God is no respecter of persons and each person is looked upon equally by our God, not just 144,000 specially chosen people.
5. Hell
They do not believe in a literal hell where the unsaved and evil people will suffer eternal torment. They cannot believe that a loving God could create such a horrible place of eternal punishment. They tell their followers that hell is the “grave” where we are buried in when we die, and that the wicked will simply cease to exist and will not have to suffer any type of eternal punishment and torment.
However, our Bible teaches just the opposite. Our Bible says that there will be a Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the 1000 Year Millennium Kingdom. All the unsaved and wicked people will have to appear before the Lord for this final judgment. This verse says that whoever’s name is not written in the Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone where the smoke of their torment will ascend forever and ever.
The Lake of Fire and Brimstone will be the eventual end of Satan, all of his demons, the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and all the rest of unsaved humanity who has ever lived. I believe this passage is literal interpretation! The Bible says exactly what it means and there is simply no other way you can spin or re-interpret these words out of Scripture. The verse on this is found in Revelation 20:7-15.
Conclusion
As you can see from all of the above main differences, Jehovah’s Witnesses can in no way qualify as being a pure true branch of Christianity. I personally believe that God the Father will in no way honor or accept this false religion.
For those of you who are ever led by the Lord to try to witness or debate with some of these people, this article will give you some of the main basic differences between their false beliefs and those of true orthodox Christianity.
Other links and articles for Christianity.
Flickr: The Christianity Pool
Christianity and photography: Information from Answers.com
Videos | Consulate General of the United States Hong Kong & Macau
Christianity Today (@Christian_Guide) on Twitter
No related posts.
Reprint and Copyright InfoComments
57 Responses to “Jehovah S Witnesses”Speak Your Mind
Tell us what you're thinking...and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
-
Michael Bradley
Bible Teaching and Bible Commentary,
Over 150 Free Bible LessonsScripture taken from New King James Version.
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2005-2012 by Michael Bradley.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 License.
Hi, thanks, many of us believe that there is only one God, one believe. Unfortunately there are more than 38,000 . Which is true? If one were to choose the wrong one, sad case! Better live a life of goodness than believe in dogmas, etc. and leave the rest to God. Tks,
What about Seventh day Adventists, are they true christians?
Maybel I think you should go to jesus-is-savior.com and look at false religions…seventh day adventists is in it too. True Christians believe what the Bible says…you dont add to it or take from it. I only use the KJV of the Bible, there is a sight about the bibles out there and which one we should use backed by tons of facts…called 1611kingjamesbible.com. We accept the Trinity. And whoever believes that Jesus is
cont…Is the son of God (God in the flesh) and he came to die for for us on the cross, and shed his blood to pay for our sins will be saved. Just have faith in Jesus that he is our Savior. Faith + anything else to be saved isnt faith. Majority of false-religions teach you must be good or do good deeds, talk in tongues, keep the sacrements etc to go to heaven if you believe that then you dont believe the Bible. To be born again, you must be convicted of your sins (realize your a sinner worthy of hell) and repent (turn away from your past sins) ask God to give you a new heart and new life, have faith! Thats it!
Tony, as for your question, if you want to know the true religion …religion is what destroyed people constantly seperating making new doctrines…I believe Christianity is not a Religion, being a Christian just means you are a born again believer and you have a personal relationship with Christ…being good wont get you to Heaven. We are all sinners no matter how hard we try not to be. Here is some scripture from the Bible that backs up what I’m telling you…Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” And again in Ephesians 2:8,9 we are told, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” We are all Hell-deserving sinners! We do NOT have anything to do with salvation except to receive God’s free gift by FAITH. Salvation is receiving; NOT giving.
Charlamaine, thanks so much for the info.
Your Welcome, Maybel I enjoy sharing what I know with people especially about Jesus and the Bible! I read something about it everyday. And I love to share the Gospel because I believe that that is what God layed on my heart to do. God Bless You!
i googled, difference between christians and jehovah witness and found this web site. this is everything i wanted to see. i had an encounter with a witness. i thought i made a good case for the trinity, along with other topics, but i wanted more so i could debate other beliefs they have. thanks for this website.
Hi charlamaine, if i may “with all do respect”, say something about your comment that we are all sinners. thats partially true. we may sin, but because of what jesus did for us ( and if we except it) we are now considered rightous in God’s sight because of what jesus did. so how can we be labeled sinners and rightous at the same time. i hope i explained it ok. i don’t want to be a rightous sinner. does this make sense ??
2nd corinthians 5:21 “for he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him”. Thanks, i’ll be eagerly awaiting your responce. i love talking about the Lord too. lol
@Mike…I am just saying that no matter how hard we try on our own we do still sin. If you are born again I believe those sins are forgiven past, present, and future. But no matter how hard even I try to be a good Christian I still sin, and fall short of the Glory of God…many righteous men in the Bible we strive to be like were sinners. Peter sinned by denying Jesus. Yet, Peter was a born-again believer. King David was a Christian; yet he conspired to have a man killed, to cover up an unwanted pregnancy, from an adulterous affair with that man’s wife. Abraham and Sara doubted God. Moses was a murderer. Samson went with a harlot. Jacob was a thief. Jonah ran from God. Noah got drunk. Isaiah was a man of unclean lips. These were God’s best and brightest. Romans 3:10, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”
Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”but we know all these men went to Heaven…because they were men of Faith
While I am no defender of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, I am very familiar with this particular religion, certainly I am sure more familiar than the author of this article, and there are inaccuracies in his statements. They DO believe that Jesus came in the flesh, and they DO believe that he was resurrected bodily, not as a spirit or ghost. As to other points the author made regarding the 144,000, the scripture the author quotes doesn’t actually state that everyone goes to heaven. It states that everyone is saved who accepts Jesus. The belief that only 144,000 will actually go to heaven and the rest get to live forever in paradise on earth is what the JW’s believe, and is based on their interpretation of scripture. While you may disagree with that interpretation it is irresponsible to mischaracterize their stance.
Let me be clear, I personally despise JW’s, and have plenty of issues with how they interpret things, but this article is skewed and inaccurate, and I can’t abide by irresponsible journalism.
charlamaine; i don’t dispute anything you said, yes we do sin, but do we put our focus on the sins we commit, or do we focus on what we now have in Christ Jesus. Look at romans 6:2. but like everything else we need to read before and after to get the context.
Lisa,
I have already done my research with some very creditable people, along
with talking to quite a few JW’s. They all confirmed what I had written
are some of their basic beliefs and that they do not agree with our
different positions on some of those key issues.
So sorry, will have to respectfully disagree with your conclusions. I do
not know if they have different opinions even among themselves or if they
have changed over the years, but the ones i had talked to about 5 years
ago all agreed with what i had written and I could not persuade them
otherwise.
But I will put up your original post and see if anyone else wants to
comment on it.
Mike
Im sure everyone has something to say about every area of the bible. but just keep one thing as our focus, and that is what Jesus did for us. And now we have ever lasting life. (if you believe)
All religions are man-made and set themselves up to be a mediator between Jesus and you.The 15th chapter of John shows clearly no one is between the branch and the vine(you and Christ).Religions are nothing but big business.A true disciple of Christ guides us to Christ(THE WAY AND THE TRUTH).Then the HOLY Spirit takes over to teach us and seal us in Christ by(THE WORD).Religion killed Christ because they were scared Christ would take all of their followers (Acts 4th chapter).Remember, Salvation is between you and Christ no one else.You will see this on Judgement Day.
Hi Friends!
Thank you for the information on JWs and sharing your views.
I am glad I came across this site.
This is another website that has useful info on JWs and all other world religions.
The website is http://carm.org/jehovahs-witnesses
I’m sure it would answer most of your questions and doubts.
God bless you all!
Lisa is correct.
I am also very familiar with this religion and she is right, they do believe that Jesus came in the flesh, and they do believe that he was resurrected bodily, not as a spirit or ghost. As for the 144,000, I agree the scriptures provided were not good examples. Jahovah Witnessness do believe that only 144,000 will reside in Heaven, and those people are already chosen. However, they also believe that those who call upon Him, or those who are saved will live eternal life and happiness in paradise, which they believe is planet earth. There are many scriptures that talk about going to Heaven and being with God, JW’s believe that these scriptures were directed towards the 12 apostles and the others included in the 144,000.
Also – KJV – Acts 2:31 “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” This is just one scripture that talks about Jesus and the crucifiction, Jahovah Witnessess don’t believe hell is a firey doom… They believe it is a place of nothing, no feeling, no thoughts, no… no nothing. And the reason they believe this is because there are several scriptures that say that Jesus went to hell between his death and his resurrection.
0)The watchtower Bible and tract society (JW’s) is a false religion.Just look at what is required for baptism.you must pledge to them instead of father son,and holy spirit and answer 100 or so questions.Then read the requirements in the Bible (Acts 8:26-40)
0
Thank you so much! Today I had a jw come to my house and I really didn’t know the exact difference between them and Christians. All I heard was they twisted the Bible around. Now I know and am grateful:)
If the Bible says Christ is the WAY and TRUTH(john14:6)and the Holy Spirit the teacher(john14:26)why do I need the watchtower magazine to teach me their truth and way.Then pledge Allegiance to the watchtower bible and tract soc. and answer alot of their doctrinal questions or I can’t get baptized.CULT,CULT,CULT
This is a very informative discussion regardless of what we believe In. It reminds us the importance of testing and evaluating all those who come to us telling us they are man of God. The solution is simple listen to what you are told , take notes. Pray to God for the guidance of the Lord and the Holy spirit. Check the bible and see whether it contradicts what you have been told. Pray for your family loved ones and all the poor souls that are being led to hell by these false teachers and false religions. For there is only one God who sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins, sickness and diseases so that through Him we can be saved and assured of eternal life. If you go to a church that does not preach God, Jesus The Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sin through Jesus leave it and pray for those in it so that God can open their eyes to the truth. Let us all love God and show love for one another by asking the Lord to show the light to those who are in the dark.
Yeah, I needed to read something like this, because I met this girl at work, we really hit it off for the first couple hours that we’re talking.. but then the topic got onto religion and she told me that she was a raised Johava’s wittness, and that it’s a huge part of her life. I still talked to her on the phone for a couple nights, hoping that maybe we could keep our separate beliefs, seeing how I was brought up in Pentecostal ism, and I thought that our beliefs had some differences, but for the most part we were both Christians that believes and accepts Jesus as our Lord and saviour. But she said that I basically need to convert to a witness in order for us to date or anything, and that I couldn’t call her house any more unless I converted.. It’s a pretty crappy situation, I wish Christians could just get over themselves, love each other and have unity with one another.
Drake if her religion was the right one she will have quoted some bible verses to you. Also this could have been your chance to talk to her about God and better to use King James Version although difficult at least its closer to the original.
a new commandment i give unto you. that you love one another as i have loved you. by this all men shall know you are my disciples. if you love one another… not if you are jehovah,s witnesses, catholics, adventists, pentecostals, bishops, kings, peasants, rats or cows! just love others! christians can make me sick sometimes but i love them anyways! ford
what is most disappointing is the division between Christianity as well as their judgmental outputs. Its amazing,,,gods Personal Name has been removed from all the modern day bibles almost 7000 times. That name seems to be most important in the Lords prayer, Matt 6:9,,,,probably because Jesus came to do his Father/God’s will not his own,,,,,who did all the ancient followers and believers prior to Jesus time worship and bow down? YHWH,,,,that guys kingdom is going to ruin this wicked world and set his original intention in place in the Very Near Future,,,,,Matt:24:14,,,,how is putting this scripture in place World Wide…? As far as JW’s being a Cult,,,,that’s impossible,,,they are putting in place what Jesus Commanded us all to do – Preach The Good News, Matt:28 19-20,,,if it wasn’t for Jesus and is Apostles / Paul / John for the most part setting up the preaching work, The Witnesses WOULD NOT BE Out There,,,,,they all seem So Loving,,,,,,,and are trying to fallow all the Biblical guidelines,,,,the other thing that is very impressive is they are not cconnected with the Governments and all the others spectrum’s in regards Satan’s World / The Ruler Of This World,,,,i don’t understand how they can be So Condemned….? Amazing. They are always out there doing there best to Preach The good News of The Fathers Kingdom,,,,,which is what we have to look forward to,,,,,,For some reason many of the angels were jealous of the Intercourse than Mankind had, and there are neither male nor females in the heavens,,,,maybe that’s what pissed Satan off.
Christ is the mediator not the WBTS. They want the worship directed to themselves,just like the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin who killed Christ.The Holy Spirit is the teacher not the false doctrine in the Watchtower.Now you must be baptized to the organization.Where in the Bible is that stated? The eunuch saw water and ask Philip to baptize him.Philip never said you must answer 100 question and summit to the organization.I don’t even want to get started on the false prophecies and how self-rightness do you have to be to say only the we(the Jw’s) will be saved? John3:16 says WHOEVER believes will be saved.It does not say Jw’s only will be saved. Has CULT written all over it.
dev@ you say they are not connected to governments maybe you should read this http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/united-nations-association.php, They are connected to the U.N. THE VERY GOVERNMENT THEY CONDEMN.If that’s not enough,just Google watchtower in the U.N.
Last year, I was involved with a JW. It seemed odd that she didn’t live what she professed to believe. I’m Roman Catholic and was shocked at some of the nonsense these bozos preach about my religion … horrible things. They claim to be select. Nonsense. This woman was forcing her daughters to live some kind of chaste lie while having no problem bedding someone as obviously evil as me. Didn’t end well … LOL! Christ gave us ALL a means to salvation. Any religion preaching that fact is a true Christian religion. JWs are not true Christians. They also have an interesting view on “works” … has nothing to do with kindness or charity … just “witnessing” … LOL, again. Peace, out.
This article is clearly written in bais. How can all the people on this forum that are so IGNORANT and intolerant be revered as Christian?
ALL, absolutely all, that accept Jesus as the one and only passage to heaven are accepted by God.
Leave the labels, love the Lord.
I came across this article while ‘searching’. I have been on a spiritual journey for most of my 43 years. I was raised in a ‘born again Christian family’ with much love but had many unanswered questions and confusion over many scriptural interpretations. I am currently studying the Bible with JW and can honestly say that I feel closer to GOD and have an inner peace that is just beautiful. GOD is love, HE knows your heart and will ensure that you have a relationship with him if you want to:)
It starts with “bible study” — their bible, their interpretation — and continues with indoctrination. Let me guess … you’ve been told you seem to have a special grasp scriptural teaching? I hope you check yourself before swearing into their belief system. It’s about you, your God, and the way you find enlightenment through scripture. Don’t let their dogma run over your karma. God knows you by name, faith, and works … not by religious affiliation.
Coleen,if you want answers I would suggest you let Christ teach you though the HOLY SPIRIT as stated in John 14:26. They will tell you that they have the truth but the Bible tells us it is CHRIST that has the truth, John 14:6.They will become the mediator between you and God rather than between you and Christ.Do not let emotions lead into a trap.You are not having a Bible study with them,you are having a watchtower magazine study backed up with scriptures taken out of context supporting their false doctrine.
The people above are simply intimidated by anything they are unfamiliar with. If you feel close to God that is all that matters, your title is irrelevant to what is in your heart. JW are the nicest most honest people I have ever met. Remember that the people in this forum have never even been to a JW church they are speaking from what they have been told as most ignorant people do.
Cristina Alisa,I was baptized in 1974 and spent a year at Bethel.My above posts stand.Christ is the truth and the Holy Spirit is the teacher not men in a man-made religion.
Jehovah Witnesses study the Bible. Like I said, know what you are talking about before you speak. Being baptized has what to do with this conversation? Accept Christ as your savior is the only way to God. True Christians practice tolerance.
I was baptized as a Jehovah Witness and Bethel is their headquarters.God is not tolerant to any untruth.
Christina, trust me; I know quite a bit about JWs … and you’re wandering down a dangerous path. Jim D seems to have even more insight into the JW scene. Ask your JW “friends” about their disfellowship process. They make up their own rules. They don’t even believe in one of Christianity’s core truths — The Trinity. The Holy Spirit doesn’t function as scripture states to them, let alone exist as a guiding force. They even insist you can only find truth through THEIR literature, the only true scripture is in THEIR bible. That you knew nothing about Bethel proves your ignorance. Wikipedia “Jehovah Witnesses” sometime, them post about how wrong everyone else is.
Oh dear, I was just sharing ‘my journey’. Each to their own and as we are all imperfect, nobody really has all the answers except our Creator. God loves me and I love him
hey folks…. I am so confused. my son’s father and family is mostly JW. My family is “christian” and feel very opposed to JW’s. I’ve been raised to not even answer the door for them, which made me feel pretty bad as a child. Anyways, as an adult looking for the “truth” I am finding it hard to deal with. Should I be in church or go to the Kingdom Hall? I cant decide, so I think I wont go to either…. I believe SOME of what the JW’s teach, I love their views on family and such. But some things are extreme, no holidays or birthdays… WHY? I’m so very confused and I couldnt help to think while reading this, that I understand why some ppl dont even bother and while some become atheists… Its just too confusing… I will pray and read my bible and hopefully God will understand. Isnt life confusing enough? What about my 2 kids? How can I teach them when I dont even know. Some call me weak in my faith, well maybe…
TEA,Christ is the way and the truth.John14:6 Christs’ church is not a building or sect(denomination).Christ church is a body or assembly of believers taught by the Holy Spirit.John14:26.You are trying to equate salvation to belief in a man-made religion and the Bible doesn’t say that.Your salvation is between Christ and you.15th chapter of John explains this.Faith and obedience to Gods word brings salvation.So, read His word and ask for His Holy Spirit to teach you the Way.Trust in Him and not Man for the TRUTH.
I dont know JIM D ..but will agree in all that is printed , A good answer to a problem in a twisting of the Scriptures ,by a Denomination who will never know any thing else ,but a downward path leading to destruction
My wife became a JW many years ago after we got married & although I was greatly opposed to everything, especially the abstenance from the celebration of holidays, I appreciated how it helped her become a better wife & mother & overall person. I was raised southern Baptist and it is very difficult for me to have conversation about the Bible when I have such strong opinions about it, to be honest even if they proved me wrong I might still not change… I am what I am & maybe God will one day humble me to show me exactly the path I need to be walking or if I am already on it. There is one thing I must say though for ANYONE that says JW’s are not true Christians really need to think about the kind of character that defines a person who sincerely models themselves after the Christ because if there is any group of people who as a WHOLE represent such… I would honestly have to say that it would be them. (JUST DON”T TELL MY WIFE lol)
I have a great understanding of what Jehovah’s Witnesses really believe in and have used appropriate sources such as the official Jehovah’s Witness websites http://www.watchtower.org and http://www.jw.org. Please don’t delete my comments, they have taken me a long time to write and are very accurate
There is a large amount of false facts written in this article about Jehovah’s Witnesses, especially the main differences you mentioned. I know EXACTLY what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in because I have attended the Jehovah’s Witness congregation for many years, have had bible studies with Jehovah’s Witnesses and many members of my family are Jehovah’s Witnesses. They are absolutely NOT a cult but a religion. Their way of life and everything Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in comes directly from the bible, and they have a deep and proper understanding of the bible. How many other religions go preaching to others as Jesus did on Earth? Wouldn’t Jesus want us to follow his example and preach to other about the bible? I will explain to you briefly some facts. Obviously I can’t go into too much detail of things right now as I am only commenting in a forum and not writing a book.
First of all, you say that Jehovah’s Witnesses come up with their own interpretation of the bible. The fact is, Jehovah’s Witnesses use different translations to come up with the most accurate interpretations. The most common translation they use, though, is the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. This is a modern language translation that adheres to the original word meanings as completely and accurately as possible. It also restores the use of God’s name, Jehovah (see Psalm 83:18), which can be found in the original manuscripts almost 7000 times, but is omitted in most Bibles commonly used today. The New World Translation was translated by a group of faithful men over a period of many years using the oldest Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts available.
Witnesses also use other Bibles for personal study and research, and commonly have the King James Version, the Jerusalem Bible, the Douay Bible, the American Standard Version, The Kingdom Interlinear, the Emphatic Diaglott and the paraphrased Living Bible in their own personal home libraries.
Secondly, you say Jesus was not created by God. It is true that God himself was not created as it states in Rev 22:13- ‘I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.’ But Jesus was God’s first creation, so indeed was created as it is mentioned in the scriptures below-
Jesus was God’s First Creation-
Proverbs 7: 22- ‘Jehovah himself produced me as the beginning of his way, the earliest of his achievements of long ago.’ Jesus Christ was Jehovah God’s first creation.
Colossians 1:15 and 20- He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creations.
Revelations 3:14- “And to the angel of the congregation in La•o•di•ce´a write: These are the things that the Amen says, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation by God.
The Scripture you mentioned John 8:58- “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Does not at all prove that Jesus was not created. Jesus is mentioning here that he existed before Abraham, which of course is true as Jesus was God’s first creation. The other scriptures mentioned above clearly prove that Jehovah God created Jesus
And yes, Jehovah’s Witness DO believe that the Holy Spirit is God’s active Force because it in fact is. THE Bible’s use of “holy spirit” indicates that it is a controlled force that Jehovah God uses to accomplish a variety of his purposes. To a certain extent, it can be likened to electricity, a force that can be adapted to perform a great variety of operations.
At Genesis 1:2 the Bible states that “God’s active force ["spirit" (Hebrew, ru'ach)] was moving to and fro over the surface of the waters.” Here, God’s spirit was his active force working to shape the earth.
God uses his spirit to enlighten those who serve him. David prayed: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your spirit [ru'ach] is good; may it lead me in the land of uprightness.” (Psalm 143:10) When 70 capable men were appointed to help Moses, God said to him: “I shall have to take away some of the spirit [ru'ach] that is upon you and place it upon them.”—Numbers 11:17.
Bible prophecy was recorded when men of God were “borne along by holy spirit [Greek, from pneu'ma].” (2 Peter 1:20, 21) In this way the Bible was “inspired of God,” the Greek word for which is The•o’pneu•stos, meaning “God-breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16) And holy spirit guided certain people to see visions or to have prophetic dreams.—2 Samuel 23:2; Joel 2:28, 29; Luke 1:67; Acts 1:16; 2:32, 33.
The holy spirit impelled Jesus to go into the wilderness after his baptism. (Mark 1:12) The spirit was like a fire within God’s servants, causing them to be energized by that force. And it enabled them to speak out boldly and courageously.—Micah 3:8; Acts 7:55-60; 18:25; Romans 12:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
By his spirit, God carries out his judgments on men and nations. (Isaiah 30:27, 28; 59:18, 19) And God’s spirit can reach everywhere, acting for people or against them.—Psalm 139:7-12.
You then say that Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t believe that Jesus Christ came to earth as a man and was then resurrected. This is simply untrue! Jehovah’s Witnesses DO in fact believe this! These facts are constantly mentioned in Jehovah’s Witnesses Congregations, in Jehovah’s Witnesses Brochures, Watchtower and Awake Magazines, and other literature. In fact Jehovah’s Witnesses take part in the Memorial every year in April to observe the Memorial of Christ’s death. This observance is also called “the Lord’s evening meal.” Also the Jehovah’s Witness official website http://www.watchtower.org preaches of Christ coming to Earth in the flesh and of his death and resurrection. Link is below- http://www.watchtower.org/e/20010315/article_01.htm
Everlasting Life On Earth
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that a select number of people, 144,000 will go to Heaven. The rest of those remaining faithful to the end will live forever on Earth. After all, Jesus sacrificed himself in order for us to live the life God originally planned from the beginning, to live forever on Earth as Adam and Eve where destined to live, before they sinned, became imperfect and no longer immortal. That’s the original plan! To live forever on Earth! Just think about it…. It’s logical. We get old and die because we are imperfect; we are imperfect because of Adam and Eve’s sin. So God sent Jesus to sacrifice himself in order for us to live forever in a paradise Earth, like Adam and Eve, the way we were supposed to live from the start. We needed Jesus to sacrifice himself in order for us to gain eternal life because he is perfect. Here is an article from http://www.watchtower.org, link is here- http://www.watchtower.org/e/rq/article_05.htm
1. Jehovah created this earth so that humans could enjoy living on it forever. He wanted the earth always to be inhabited by righteous, happy people. (Psalm 115:16; Isaiah 45:18) The earth will never be destroyed; it will last forever.—Psalm 104:5; Ecclesiastes 1:4.
2. Before God made man, He chose one small part of the earth and made it into a beautiful paradise. He called it the garden of Eden. It was here that he put the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. God purposed for them to have children and fill the whole earth. Gradually they would have made the entire earth into a paradise.—Genesis 1:28 and Genesis 2:8, 15.
3. Adam and Eve sinned by deliberately breaking God’s law. So Jehovah put them out of the garden of Eden. Paradise was lost. (Genesis 3:1-6, 23) But Jehovah has not forgotten his purpose for this earth. He promises to make it into a paradise, where humans will live forever. How will he do this?—Psalm 37:29.
The 1000 year Millennium Kingdom Explained-
4. Before this earth can become a paradise, wicked people must be removed. (Psalm 37:38) This will happen at Armageddon, which is God’s war to end wickedness. Next, Satan will be imprisoned for 1,000 years. This means that no wicked ones will be left to spoil the earth. Only God’s people will survive.—Revelation 16:14, 16; 20:1-3.
5. Then Jesus Christ will rule as King over this earth for 1,000 years. (Revelation 20:6) He will gradually take sin away from our minds and bodies. We will become perfect humans just as Adam and Eve were before they sinned. Then there will be no more sickness, old age, and death. Sick people will be cured, and old persons will become young again.—Job 33:25; Isaiah 33:24; Revelation 21:3, 4.
6. During Jesus’ Thousand Year Reign, faithful humans will work to turn the whole earth into a paradise. (Luke 23:43) Also, millions of dead ones will be resurrected to human life on the earth. (Acts 24:15) If they do what God requires of them, they will continue to live on earth forever. If not, they will be destroyed forever.—John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:11-15.
7. God’s original purpose for the earth will thus succeed. Would you like to share in these future blessings? If so, you need to keep learning about Jehovah and obeying his requirements. Attending meetings at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses will help you to do so.—Isaiah 11:9; Hebrews 10:24, 25.
Those asleep in the grave but who are in God’s memory will be resurrected, not to heaven, but to life on a cleansed earth. (Ecclesiastes 9:5; John 11:11-13, 25; Acts 24:15)
Revelation 21:1-4 answers, saying: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind . . . And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Jehovah’s original purpose for the earth and humankind will reach its glorious fulfillment.—Genesis 1:27, 28.
The 144,000 explained-
the Bible states that only a limited number of faithful Christians—namely, 144,000 of them—are raised as spirit creatures to live in heaven. Why are they given this wonderful reward? Because they make up the group that John saw in a vision who “came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ for a thousand years.” (Revelation 14:1, 3; 20:4-6) Compared with the billions on earth, the 144,000 truly are a “little flock.” (Luke 12:32) Moreover, having experienced the problems common to humankind, like Jesus they will be able to “sympathize with our weaknesses” as they supervise the rehabilitation of mankind and of the earth.—Hebrews 4:15. By providing the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God began gathering the 144,000 almost 2,000 years ago, and indications are that this group is now complete. (Acts 2:1-4; Galatians 4:4-7) However, Jesus’ sacrifice was not for the sins of the 144,000 only, “but also for the whole world’s.” (1 John 2:2) Hence, all who exercise faith in Jesus have the prospect of eternal life. (John 3:16)
http://www.watchtower.org/e/rq/article_05.htm
Hell Explained
This is what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe hell really is and why, taken from their official website http://www.watchtower.org- WHATEVER image the word “hell” brings to your mind, hell is generally thought of as a place of punishment for sin. Concerning sin and its effect, the Bible says: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) The Scriptures also state: “The wages sin pays is death.” (Romans 6:23) Since the punishment for sin is death, the fundamental question in determining the true nature of hell is: What happens to us when we die?
Does life of some kind, in some form, continue after death? What is hell, and what kind of people go there? Is there any hope for those in hell? The Bible gives truthful and satisfying answers to these questions.
Life After Death?
Does something inside us, like a soul or a spirit, survive the death of the body? Consider how the first man, Adam, came to have life. The Bible states: “Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life.” (Genesis 2:7) Though breathing sustained his life, putting “the breath of life” into his nostrils involved much more than simply blowing air into his lungs. It meant that God put into Adam’s lifeless body the spark of life—”the force of life,” which is active in all earthly creatures. (Genesis 6:17; 7:22) The Bible refers to this animating force as “spirit.” (James 2:26) That spirit can be compared to the electric current that activates a machine or an appliance and enables it to perform its function. Just as the current never takes on the features of the equipment it activates, the life-force does not take on any of the characteristics of the creatures it animates. It has no personality and no thinking ability.
What happens to the spirit when a person dies? Psalm 146:4 says: “His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish.” When a person dies, his impersonal spirit does not go on existing in another realm as a spirit creature. It “returns to the true God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7) This means that any hope of future life for that person now rests entirely with God.
The ancient Greek philosophers Socrates and Plato held that a soul inside a person survives death and never dies. What does the Bible teach about the soul? Adam “came to be a living soul,” says Genesis 2:7. He did not receive a soul; he was a soul—a whole person. The Scriptures speak of a soul’s doing work, craving food, being kidnapped, experiencing sleeplessness, and so forth. (Leviticus 23:30; Deuteronomy 12:20; 24:7; Psalm 119:28) Yes, man himself is a soul. When a person dies, that soul dies.—Ezekiel 18:4.
What, then, is the condition of the dead? When pronouncing sentence upon Adam, Jehovah stated: “Dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19) Where was Adam before God formed him from the dust of the ground and gave him life? Why, he simply did not exist! When he died, Adam returned to that state of complete absence of life. The condition of the dead is made clear at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10, where we read: “The dead know nothing . . . In the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (New International Version) Scripturally, death is a state of nonexistence. The dead have no awareness, no feelings, no thoughts.
Unending Torment or Common Grave?
Since the dead have no conscious existence, hell cannot be a fiery place of torment where the wicked suffer after death. What, then, is hell? Examining what happened to Jesus after he died helps to answer that question. The Bible writer Luke recounts: “Neither was [Jesus] forsaken in Hades [hell, King James Version] nor did his flesh see corruption.”* (Acts 2:31) Where was the hell to which even Jesus went? The apostle Paul wrote: “I handed on to you . . . that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, yes, that he has been raised up the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4) So Jesus was in hell, the grave, but he was not abandoned there, for he was raised up, or resurrected.
Job suffering
Job prayed for protection in hell
Consider also the case of the righteous man Job, who suffered much. Wishing to escape his plight, he pleaded: “Who will grant me this, that thou mayest protect me in hell [Sheol], and hide me till thy wrath pass?”# (Job 14:13, Douay Version) How unreasonable to think that Job desired to go to a fiery-hot place for protection! To Job, “hell” was simply the grave, where his suffering would end. The Bible hell, then, is the common grave of mankind where good people as well as bad ones go.
Hellfire—All-Consuming?
Could it be that the fire of hell is symbolic of all-consuming, or thorough, destruction? Separating fire from Hades, or hell, the Scriptures say: “Death and Hades were hurled into the lake of fire.” “The lake” mentioned here is symbolic, since death and hell (Hades) that are thrown into it cannot literally be burned. “This [lake of fire] means the second death”—death from which there is no hope of coming back to life.—Revelation 20:14.
Valley of Hinnom
Fiery Gehenna—a symbol of eternal destruction
The lake of fire has a meaning similar to that of “the fiery Gehenna [hell fire, King James Version]” that Jesus spoke of. (Matthew 5:22; Mark 9:47, 48) Gehenna occurs 12 times in the Christian Greek Scriptures, and it refers to the valley of Hinnom, outside the walls of Jerusalem. When Jesus was on earth, this valley was used as a garbage dump, “where the dead bodies of criminals, and the carcasses of animals, and every other kind of filth was cast.” (Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible) The fires were kept burning by adding sulfur to burn up the refuse. Jesus used that valley as a proper symbol of everlasting destruction.
As does Gehenna, the lake of fire symbolizes eternal destruction. Death and Hades are “hurled into” it in that they will be done away with when mankind is freed from sin and the condemnation of death. Willful, unrepentant sinners will also have their “portion” in that lake. (Revelation 21:8) They too will be annihilated forever. On the other hand, those in God’s memory who are in hell—the common grave of mankind—have a marvelous future.
Hell Emptied!
Revelation 20:13 states: “The sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Hades gave up those dead in them.” Yes, the Bible hell will be emptied. As Jesus promised, “the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear [Jesus'] voice and come out.” (John 5:28, 29) Although no longer presently existing in any form, millions of dead ones who are in Jehovah God’s memory will be resurrected, or brought back to life, in a restored earthly paradise.—Luke 23:43; Acts 24:15.
In the new world of God’s making, resurrected humans who comply with his righteous laws will never need to die again. (Isaiah 25:8) Jehovah “will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” In fact, “the former things [will] have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) What a blessing is in store for those in hell—”the memorial tombs”! This blessing indeed is reason enough for us to take in more knowledge of Jehovah God and his Son, Jesus Christ.—John 17:3.
‘Those in the memorial tombs will come out’
Welcoming a resurrected person
* In the King James Version, the Greek word Hades is rendered “hell” in each of its ten occurrences in the Christian Greek Scriptures. The rendering at Luke 16:19-31 mentions torment, but the entire account is symbolic in meaning. See chapter 88 of The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
# The Hebrew word Sheol occurs 65 times in the Hebrew Scriptures and is rendered “hell,” “grave,” and “pit” in the King James Version
And to Jim D- The watchtower and other literature are provided by witnesses to give people are deeper understanding of the bible, and may also contain encouraging real life stories from Witnesses around the world. They are very helpful in explaining scriptures and when witnessing to people. And when a Jehovah’s Witness gets baptized they are dedicating their life to Jehovah, as you can see in this article- http://www.watchtower.org/e/bh/article_18.htm
Yawn …
Been there, smelt that; ain’t buyin’ it. LOL!!!
What this lass fails to mention — and is QUITE obvious — is that she is a JW herself.
Thank you for the info Nicole, it all makes perfect sense. I will be printing it out
James, I did not yawn, I am there and I’m SOLD! God is about Quality, not quantity.
Coleen,
Thank you for taking the time to read my comment, and I’m glad to hear your interested. And James, I’m not a Jehovah’s Witness myself. I’m not baptized, don’t go preaching or attend regular Jehovah’s Witness congregations.
Nicole and Coleen,if you believe in the doctrine of the JW’s,why have’n you been baptist a JW.Is it because you have faith in God through the Holy Spirit and you realize that they are only men acting as a mediator? When you get baptized a JW you will be pledging your allegiance to an organization rather than to God. God told you that Christ is the way and the truth John14:6 not the doctrine of men Matthew 15:8-9,1 Timothy6:3.Christ is the mediator between you and God,John 15th chapter.He is the vine and you are the branches. There is no MAN BETWEEN THE VINE AND THE BRANCH.Those men (governing body) did not die for you!Christ died for you so that you would receive the Holy Spirit that would teach you the way to salvation.John14:26.If God tells us he will teach us through his Holy Spirit why don’t you believe him?Why do you believe men in Brooklyn Heights over God?They are not even of their so call anointed class.Your salvation is between you and Christ and not 7 or 8 men in Brooklyn Heights.I pray you realize how important Christ is in our salvation.His blood justifies us to God and without it God does not even deal with us.
One last comment. This is not about who is right or wrong in doctrine.It is about Jesus Christ.The whole bible is written about him.Every verse !
Jim D,
Jehovah’s Witnesses get baptized when they are ready to dedicate themselves to God and God alone, not for an organization. This is mentioned in the Jehovah’s Witness official website -
‘baptism is not a mere bath. It is a symbol of something very important. Going beneath the water symbolizes that you have died to your former life course. Being raised up out of the water indicates that you are now alive to do the will of God. Remember, too, that you have made a dedication to Jehovah God himself, not to a work, a cause, other humans, or an organization. Your dedication and baptism are the beginning of a very close friendship with God—an intimate relationship with him.—Psalm 25:14.
http://www.watchtower.org/e/bh/article_18.htm
This is why Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t get baptized at birth. They get baptized when they are ready to whole heartedly dedicate themselves to God.
The Governing Body is a central group of experienced elders who oversee the worldwide congregation. The Governing body assumes responsibility for formulating policy and doctrines, producing material for publications and conventions, and administering its worldwide branch office staff. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not worship men of the governing body, they worship God. ALL of Jehovah’s Witnesses publications teach people about God and Christ. Jehovah’s Witnesses have a deep understanding of Christ, God and his Holy Spirit.
As for myself I’m not baptized because I’m not a practicing Jehovah’s Witness. I believe in everything that they teach, and will hopefully one day take the steps to became a Jehovah’s Witness